The Kilmaine Saints is a band formed on good whiskey and bad intentions. The brainchild of two members of a Harrisburg Pipe & Drum band, this project was originally created with the sole intent of getting them free beer at St. Patrick’s Day shows in the central PA area (and might I add- mission accomplished). After incorporating the help of fellow members from the pipe band and other notable musicians from the area, they soon realized they were in for one hell of a ride. Since 2009 they have continued to pound through blistering, high-energy live sets that keep people singing along, stomping their feet, lifting their pints and shouting for more. With several hundred shows at pubs and festivals from New Jersey to California, critically acclaimed releases under their belts, national and international airplay, and an ever-expanding and extremely loyal fanbase, it’s no wonder the world is starting to stand up and take notice. In short, The Kilmaine Saints are equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride, and whiskey. This explosive Celtic rock band from central PA will steal your heart, your spirit, and your pint when you’re not looking.
"One of my favourite bands and one that all the writers here would agree is and has been one of the best and not only that but it is widely agreed that when the definitive history of Celtic-Punk is put to paper then the Kilmaine Saints will have one or maybe two of the best Celtic-Punk albums and maybe even a third as well!"- London Celtic Punk
Same Time Again Tomorrow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZKsnt2YMWo&t=84s
House of the Rising Sun
Reverie Road is a fresh, eclectic Celtic combination, featuring fiddler Winifred Horan and accordionist John Williams (founding Solas members) alongside former Gaelic Storm fiddler Katie Grennan and Jazz and Raga pianist Utsav Lal (Young Steinway Artist). This powerful combination is made up of four of today's leading traditional and virtuosic folk artists who have captured the hearts of international audiences from studios to stages over the last three decades.
Firmly grounded in their collective Irish roots, Reverie Road embraces humor with musical insight and natural abilities. Original textural adventures weave the roots of Irish musical traditions with new departures and curated gems including distilled airs, continental waltzes, and upbeat reels and jigs. The band chemistry of two accomplished classically-trained fiddlers who share a common history as award winning Irish dancers along with two instrumentalists who have sought to redefine traditional accompaniment and rhythm sections amount to a compelling concert experience that will lift audiences' hearts and have them on their feet.
Reverie Road released their much-anticipated debut, self-titled album in early 2024, which immediately made waves in the Irish Traditional music genre. Even before they completed their 25-city album national launch tour across the United States, the album was awarded the coveted "Debut Album of the Year" title by Ireland Tonight.
Video
https://www.reverieroadmusic.com/videos
Press/News Links:
https://www.irishecho.com/2023/11/reverie-road-debut-is-fabulous
https://www.bostonirish.com/arts/2024/bostonirish-album-reviews
Charlie Zahm is one of the most popular soloists at Celtic music festivals, Maritime, and American Traditional music events anywhere east of the Mississippi. With a baritone voice some have described as "coming along once in a generation," Charlie has become one of the most successful performers on the Celtic festival circuit, weaving magical moments of Scottish and Irish history for the listener and viewer, with passion for the performance and a chosen repertoire pleasing to all members of the family. A master of the guitar as well, Charlie brings an authentic love and respect for the music he sings-and with dashes of humor and a light in his eyes, he will draw you into the stories of his songs!
Charlie is often joined by fantastic Baltimore fiddler Tad Marks, who has toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe with top-name groups and is considered one of the finest fiddlers on the East Coast. His down-home charm and easy-going style have made him friends across the country, and his fine fiddling on stage with Charlie ranges from hard-driving jigs and reels to the most expressive accompaniment for vocals you will ever hear. His solo CD releases have received great praise from traditional Celtic and bluegrass fiddle-music lovers alike! Tad's music has also been featured on many of Charlie's albums and dozens of additional CDs by other artists, TV commercials, and on various other projects.
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJJW2bmwgTU
Across the Pond’s unique style and arrangements have quickly made them a regional favorite. They start with pure-drop Celtic trad folk music and then “have their way with it.” Their extensive musical backgrounds rooted in bluegrass, country, rock, classical and Appalachian Mountain music allows them to create unique, interesting and powerful arrangements, never straying too far from the traditional roots.
They have performed at over 750 festivals, weddings, concerts and other shows from North Carolina to Montreal, Quebec. Founding member and Frontman Mike Morrison (Latigo Smith, Hired Guns), plays guitar, mandolin, native-American flute and sings lead vocals. He leads fast-paced shows, selecting pieces on the fly to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, smiling, clapping and tapping their toes. Founding member Dan Diviney adds bodhrán, whistles and lead vocals. He also does the behind-the-scenes management for the band. Molly Shortridge performs on several flutes and whistles, adding backing vocals and a rare lead vocal. She handles graphic and social media for the band. Lavinia Reid, a third-generation fiddler, rounds out the line-up.
Their music is suitable for all ages. They have performed many notable shows, including for NY Times Best Selling Author Nora Roberts’ re-release of her Irish Trilogy; English playwright Jez Butterworth’s Broadway cast of The Ferryman; the Canadian Government; Captify’s Manhattan office; and many, many more notable shows and festivals in the Eastern US and Canada.
Truly a professional band, they carefully tailor their show for each occasion. Free of music stands, they create a fast-moving, captivating show that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating their next move.
Video
One Street Over is a Celtic roots band from Winchester, Virginia. Known for their dynamic blend of traditional and original tunes and ballads, their music weaves the rich sounds of vocals, Irish flute, fiddle, cello, bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, and bodhrán.
Meeting in a pub in rural Virginia, they played together for months before realizing they lived just "one street over" from each other. A musician in the crowd called out, "That sounds like a great band name!" and so it was.
When the pandemic brought pub performances to a halt, One Street Over took to the studio, producing two acclaimed albums, Beyond the Gate and Ridge and Valley, and transitioning to larger stages. With backgrounds in diverse musical backgrounds—including classical, bluegrass, and punk rock—these multi-genre instrumentalists craft captivating, toe-tapping tunes that resonate with the ears and the heart.
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5U1uiU4kcU&ab_channel=OneStreetOver
Formed by members of multiple award-winning Celtic bands, Cúlra is a new folk quintet erupting from Baltimore's vibrant Trad scene. Modern perspective and compositional ambition combined with a deep reverence for folk music of years past paints a sonic landscape that spans ages and nations. Their signature sound is a mix of original tunes and songs that draw influence from Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian tradition. Their diverse instrumentation, infectious melodies, and contagious energy result in a live show that won't be easily forgotten.
Video
https://www.facebook.com/61561418774023/videos/1063038765164456
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-krdF5x6tJ/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Website
Hailing from York, PA, Clann Redmond is a dynamic family band that brings energy and originality to Celtic music. The band features award-winning sisters Alannah and Bridget Redmond on fiddle, concertina, and whistle. Their father blends in his guitar rhythms and arrangements, along with his vocals, to complete their sound.
The band largely plays traditional music while adding many of their own personal touches, and occasional dancing as well. Their unique sound and musical grooves showcase their love of the music as they add their new contributions to the existing tunes and traditions.
Video
Bern n’ Bridge is an acoustic duo featuring guitarist Bridget Gindhart from State College, PA, and vocalist Bernadette Bratina from Harrisburg, PA. They began performing Celtic and pop songs for pubs and wineries this past year, and enjoy mixing modern influences of pop and folk artists with traditional Irish and Celtic songs. Bern n’ Bridge incorporates both elements of classical vocal technique and modern influences like the use of a loop pedal in their set, and they hope to bring a fresh take on some old and new music!
Videos
Zombie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkmFeLmoWgI
Parting Glass https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0smuBzsVE8/
https://www.facebook.com/bernnbridge
Grace has been playing Hammered Dulcimer professionally for over ten years, both as a soloist and with her acclaimed band Seasons.
Grace takes on a unique approach to the Hammered Dulcimer by focusing primarily on playing traditional Irish music. Grace has done extensive research to make these tunes sound traditional on her instrument through instruction, listening to Irish records, and going to as many sessions as she can attend.
AWARDS:
Although Grace does enjoy playing a variety of genres, her favorite is Irish music.
Grace not only performs professionally as a musician but has also competed and placed in music competitions. Grace placed first at the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh in Miscellaneous Instrument in 2022 and 2018. In 2018, she competed at the All Ireland Fleadh in Drogheda, Ireland. Her competition performance also received gold at the 2020 Chicago eComórtas Ceoil (formerly known as the eFleadh) competition and bronze at the 2021 Chicago eComórtas Ceoil.
MUSIC:
In May of 2022, Grace released her first solo record entitled “Eyre.” The album is primarily traditional Irish and Scottish tunes on the hammered dulcimer. Eyre has received rave reviews and has been featured in magazines including Irish Music Magazine, Dulcimer Players News, and The Irish Echo. Eyre has also had a lot of air time and has been featured on music podcasts and radio stations including Thunder on the Plains, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Wide is the Door, Ian Lynch’s Fire Draw Near, and many others.
Along with the Hammered Dulcimer, Grace also plays Piano, Harp, Bodhrán, and Tenor Banjo.
Although Grace resides and performs in Central Pennsylvania, she has also performed in multiple countries including Ireland, Austria, Italy, Poland, and Israel.
Hammered Dulcimers Grace plays include:
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B77C2ZFcM8A
Website
Craggy Island plays Traditional Irish music, with a few surprises. Patrick Fenning, from Dublin, Ireland, on guitar, and Susan Withers on fiddle and whistle are well known for their rich vocals, lively instrumentals and original arrangements.
Susan and Patrick often perform as a duo but can expand the band up to five pieces when requested.
Craggy Island hosts an Irish traditional session at Magoo’s Pub in Frederick on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays of each month. They play regularly at The Beans in the Belfry, Magoo’s Pub, Milkhouse Brewery and New Market Plains Winery. Craggy Island has played the following festivals: The Frederick Celtic Festival, The Mid Maryland Irish Festival, CCE Fairfax Irish Festival, South Mountain Heritage Society Concert Series, Brunswick Railroad Days, Brunswick Community Picnic, St. Andrews Society, and twice at the Dill’s Celtic Festival. They also host the traditional Irish session on Saturday..
Hi Folks. My Name is Declan. I grew up in a little village in Co. Tyrone Ireland called “An Maigh”, the Moy as one of ten kids and surrounded by all types of music (mostly Irish, Country, and Rock and Roll). Made my way stateside to the Philadelphia suburbs in ’87 where I’ve been ever since. After purchasing a guitar at a local flea market years later. I taught myself how to play and through hard work, managed to acquire a few gigs where I could highlight my influence of Irish music that I grew up with to great acclaim, to which I’m so grateful, and also for the encouragement along the way!
The Regimental Pipes & Drums was organized in December 2021 as a Living History group to portray the pipe bands of The Black Watch (The Royal Highland Regiment) of the British Army during World War II. We play period music on bagpipes and drums, and we wear authentic uniforms that were worn either in North Africa in the early-war era, or during the Great Victory Parades in Northwestern Europe during 1944-1945. During those periods, three battalions of The Black Watch served in two brigades of the 51stHighland Division. During those periods, the 51st HD passed a sterling combat record. Wherever they went, they were led by the pipes and drums who encouraged the troops, raised their morale, and participated in the various ceremonial events.
Video
https://www.facebook.com/102364895849463/videos/611794553300600
There’s a story that gets told in my family about when I was a toddler. I had a Red Flyer wagon and I was putting cans from the pantry into it. In between making additions to my haul, I had a pot, and a spoon, that I was banging on the back of the pot while shouting, “I’m making a lot of noise, I’m making a lot of noise!” Well here we are a little over 40 years later and I suppose I’m still the same person, making a lot of noise. My choices of instrument, and my technique have evolved, for sure, but I’m still doing my best to make a lot of noise.
Today Skeff has a degree in music from Towson, a Board Member of the Rhythm Bones Society for well over a decade and more recently he is serving as their Executive Director. While he did not win the All-Ireland bones competition a couple of years ago, he came darn close.
Bring bones if you have them or use some Skeff will have on hand.
Skeffington Flynn and Mary Gunderson King perform acoustic music from the heart. The term folk is often understandably applied, but their repertoire crosses genres and defies easy classification. For the Dills festival however they'll be going full Celtic! They are super excited to make the short trip up the road from West Virginia and are really looking forward to putting on a performance you will remember. Strap in and get ready for a good time!
Video
https://www.facebook.com/100064000695198/videos/1034636754564856
The Coyle School of Irish Dance strives to instill in each student a respect for Irish culture by teaching various aspects of traditional Irish dancing. The school is committed to promoting teamwork among its students which in turn helps foster a family atmosphere within the school. Above all, it is important that each student enjoys his or her experiences with Irish dancing.
The Coyle School of Irish dance roots can be traced back to 1971 when Mr. Edward Coyle (Co. Donegal) and his wife, Mrs. 'Peg' Coyle (Co. Clare), enrolled their three daughters, Grace Ann, Eileen, and Colleen in Irish Dance classes with Mr. Peter Dougherty (Co. Derry). For several years the three sisters competed across the Eastern U.S. and performed at many public and private events. Upon Mr. Dougherty's resignation, Ms. Bridie Logue Norquist and Mr. Michael Barlow took over teaching his classes. Ultimately, in 1981, Grace Anne Coyle was asked to lead the school and thus the Coyle School of Irish Dance was born.
Today the school is proud to have classes in four locations taught by six certified teachers, three being certified adjudicators.
Betsy Barnicle - Betsy will be performing throughout the day Friday & Saturday as our "Strolling Fiddler."
PAST BANDS
Headliners
Fitzgeralds
Hold Fast
Jig Jam
Kilmaine Saints
On the Lash
RUNA
Seán Heely Celtic Band
ShamRogues
Other bands - bold = multiple years
Across The Pond
Baltic Celtic
Brian Colgan
Carraig School of Irish Dance
Cas Ceol
Celtic Martins
Ceol Anam Cara
Charlie Zahm with Tad Marks
Coyle School of Irish Dance
Craggy Island
Craggy Island with Knocknrea
Darby Beat
Dave Pedrick
Emily Warren (Dance Instruction)
Fig for a Kiss
Green Hills
Harrisburg Scottish Country Dance Society
Irish Blessing
Jameson Sisters
Lochiel Emerald Society Pipes & Drums
Mary-Grace
Mary-Kate & Mary-Grace
One Street Over
Poor Man's Gambit
The Regimental Pipes & Drums
Seán Heely & Beth Patterson
Sean Reidy
Seasons
Shane Farrell/Ciarán Quinn
Ted and Susie's Pickin' & Grinnin' Children's Show
Terry Kane